Garda Reform - Change at top is vital after Morris

Ostensibly, the reports of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Management Advisory Group, which recommend radical reform of garda management, should be welcomed, both from a garda and public perspective.

Both recommend greater involvement of civilians at the top level of the force, as well as employing civilians to release more gardaí for operational duties.

Importantly, the Government would appear to support the concept of serious structural change in the management of the force, as evinced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell in promising speedy implementation of the recommendations.